Transport Canada announces new rules for trucks and buses to improve safety

Transport Canada is requiring commercial trucks and buses to adopt two new technologies.

New regulations require electronic stability control technology on new truck tractors and heavy buses sold in Canada. Electronic stability control systems are a crash avoidance technology that can reduce collisions by helping drivers maintain control, preventing rollovers, and improving directional stability. Electronic stability control technology is now required in new truck tractors, and school buses and intercity buses will require electronic stability control by June 2018.

Electronic logging devices help a driver to remain compliant with the federal Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations, which reduces the potential for driver fatigue. Electronic logging devices also reduce the administrative burden related to paper log books.

Electronic logging devices that meet a new National Safety Code technical standard will become mandatory 2020. Devices now in use will be permitted until 2022.

Canada’s new regulations for both technologies are closely aligned with similar regulations in the United States to improve safety and to support economic growth, trade, and shipping.

The announcement was made by Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau at a media event in Brampton. He was joined by Ontario’s Transport Minister Steven Del Duca, local MPs Raj Grewal & Ruby Sahota, Mike Millian, President – Private Motor Truck Council of Canada and Scott Smith – Vice Chair, Canadian Truck Alliance.

Executives from Canada’s leading fleets and representatives from various industry associations were also in attendance to mark the occasion.

Quick Facts

Electronic stability control technology has been mandatory on all new cars and light duty vehicles sold in Canada and in the United States since September 2011.

Electronic logging devices automatically record a driver’s driving time, are synced with a vehicle’s engine, and are designed to be tamper resistant.

As part of the regulatory development process, Transport Canada is committed to aligning with vehicle regulations in the United States to the fullest extent possible provided that it is in the best interest of Canadians.

By further aligning Canadian and U.S. logging device regulations, Canadian operators could use the same logging device in both countries.

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